Keith Chegwin tributes: Phillip Schofield honours 'hero' TV star

A host of TV stars tweeted their shock at the tragic news
Tributes: The late Keith Chegwin
Getty Images
Emma Powell11 December 2017
The Weekender

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Phillip Schofield and a host of stars flooded Twitter with tributes in the wake of the death of Keith Chegwin.

The TV presenter, who was a household name in the 1980s and 1990s, was hailed a “hero” and a “great guy” by those who worked with him after he lost his battle with a progressive lung condition.

The former Big Breakfast presenter died peacefully at his home in the early hours of Monday morning.

In a statement his family said: “We are heartbroken to share the news that Keith Chegwin sadly passed away following a long-term battle with a progressive lung condition, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which rapidly worsened towards the end of this year.

“Keith died peacefully at home shortly after midnight on the 11th of December. His wife Maria, his daughter Rose and his son Ted were by his side.

“Keith was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. We would respectfully ask to be left to mourn his passing in private.”

This Morning presenter Schofield said he had been left in a state of shock by the news. “I’m so stunned to hear that the utterly lovely Keith Chegwin has died,” he tweeted. “Can’t get my head round this. One of my original Saturday morning heroes. Sending all my love to his family.”

Paddy McGuinness posted a picture of the opening credits to Chegwin’s former show, Cheggers Plays Pop alongside the message: “Such sad news. Very much a part of my childhood. RIP Keith Chegwin.”

Chegwin rose to fame hosting children's entertainment shows including Multi-Coloured Swap Shop and Saturday Superstore alongside presenters Noel Edmonds and John Craven.

He also appeared in Ricky Gervais' comedy Extras, took part in Celebrity MasterChef, Dancing on Ice and Celebrity Big Brother, which saw him share a house with Katie Price, Perez Hilton and Katie Hopkins.

Keith Chegwin - In pictures

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